Industry Minister Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Toxic Waste Factories
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Industry Minister Waravut Silpa-archa chaired the launch of a strict enforcement operation targeting Type 105 factories, which handle sorting or disposal of hazardous substances and waste, and Type 106 factories, which involve waste recovery and recycling. He ordered Department of Industrial Works and provincial industrial officials nationwide to investigate and prosecute violators to the fullest extent.
Waravut instructed officials across the country to enforce laws rigorously. When violations are found, they must coordinate with relevant agencies for serious prosecution, not ending with mere arrests and fines. He stressed that beyond penalizing offenses, authorities must expand liability from operators to shareholders, coordinating criminal prosecution and asset seizure for financial crimes.
"The Ministry of Industry coordinates all relevant agencies — Natural Resources and Environment, Interior, Finance, Commerce, even Justice — for decisive management. Not just arrest and fine then separate. No more. Must pursue to the end, both criminal lawsuits or financial cases to asset seizure. We will chase to the operator or shareholders of each company. If crimes warrant extradition, we will do it."
For the first phase, the ministry formed 50 special task forces deployed to five high-risk "red zone" provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Prachinburi, and Samut Prakan. These provinces host over 1,500 Type 105 and 106 factories combined, more than half of the 3,049 such factories nationwide.
However, inspections are not limited to these five provinces but will cover all 77 provinces. Every team must report preliminary results by the evening of November 2 for the November 3 Cabinet meeting, with progress reports before each subsequent Cabinet meeting for continuous monitoring.
"I want officials to work fully without fear of influence. Only the permanent secretary can be transferred; I cannot even be transferred. To restore public trust after criticism of inaction, I urge all teams to accelerate inspections and wield the law as a weapon. Do not fear — only two people outrank me: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, who oversee the ministry."
Waravut said solving hazardous waste and preventing Thailand from becoming a global dumping ground will not be a fleeting, intense measure that fades like past efforts. He affirmed the government will not act like "burning straw" but will address root causes, with the key difference being unified inter-agency teamwork.
Additionally, the Ministry of Industry is amending the Factory Act B.E. 2535 to increase penalties and asset seizure powers.
